By Luke Malone
CARS and champagne aren't the only things worth going vintage for. Dressing vintage has its advantages: it's cheap, unique and often dapper.
Done right, a spot of thrift-store style can be just what your wardrobe needs. Whether you want to dress head to toe in your new finds or just add a little extra something to your usual look, there are some things to look for when embarking on a vintage adventure.
Vintage clothing refers to anything from the 1920s to the 1960s. Before this is considered antique and after it's, well, '70s and '80s awesome. Though, in this instance, let's take vintage to mean second-hand clothing in general.
While any old mothball-smelling shop can call itself vintage, it's best to stick to specialist consignment stores or well-known recycled clothing stores.
The most important thing is quality. Quality vintage is from an era when clothes were built to last.
Check that your new favourite jacket or the like is lined and well cut. Look for holes, insect or otherwise, uniform colour that doesn't fade away in patches and that all buttons or other embellishments are there.
Try the thing on. Not only is this a foolproof way to make sure a garment fits you properly, you'll be up close and personal enough to take in any weird odours.
Most reputable shops wash the clothes before putting them on the floor, but not all do, so give it another whirl when you get home or drop it off at the cleaners. And don't be afraid of making alterations for a better fit.
If you're buying online ask about the return policy. You might land a bargain, but if it doesn't sit right it is still going to be a waste of money if you can't send it back.
It's good to keep an open mind when it comes to thrift stores. A leather jacket might seem ridiculous on a mannequin also wearing flares and a mesh singlet. But on its own it could be a great find.
Conversely, don't get tricked into buying something you would never wear in your day-to-day life.